The Holdovers (2023) - Full Reaction
Added 2024-12-18 15:44:01 +0000 UTCI sometimes love movies like this-just normal people and their normal stories. I think Paul Giamatti is an amazing actor as well as the whole cast, except Kountz 😉. I was extra emotional, I blame Christmas, sorry about that.
Comments
Entre nous!
N M
2025-01-04 04:53:55 +0000 UTCElsbeth Tascioni is the name of the character in The Good Wife. There's even a show on now based on Elsbeth.
Art of Free Speech
2024-12-30 17:30:04 +0000 UTCI just watched The Holdovers with you, Cassie, and I heard you say that you don’t like not recognizing movies within the movie you are watching. I wonder, has no one yet told you that the movie they were watching in the theater was Little Big Man?
Jeff
2024-12-30 15:37:56 +0000 UTCThat was good. I hadn't even heard of it.
Eddie Perkins
2024-12-29 22:23:31 +0000 UTCI hadn't heard of this one, so I watched along with you. It was a great watch. Never apologize for being emotional. Lovely reaction.
Philip Alan
2024-12-25 07:27:23 +0000 UTCPopcorn Picks > Poll Winners
Lyle Morgan
2024-12-24 22:41:11 +0000 UTCShe pulled her phone out later in the review and figured it out.
Chris Thom
2024-12-23 22:18:54 +0000 UTCI think the waitress is the same actress who played the quirky lawyer in The Good Wife Cassie.
Shawn Kildal
2024-12-23 06:53:38 +0000 UTCOne of my favorite reaction vids in a while. Thanks for doing it. Underestimated how emotional you'd get there at the end, but it's nice to see such genuine feeling about and around it. Think you'd love The Descendants as well. George Clooney/ Shailene Woodley, somewhat similar fish out of water road trip/bonding thing. With some tragedy sprinkled in. But ultimately a nice, warm film.
Chris Thom
2024-12-23 05:03:17 +0000 UTCI’m glad I watched this again. If not for you reacting to it, I likely never would have. You seemed surprised to see the little bowling balls, have you never been 5 pin bowling?
Cole Jennett
2024-12-23 01:48:11 +0000 UTCthank you for being a bright spot during the holidays. It helps
Andrew Rose
2024-12-22 03:31:07 +0000 UTCI rarely watch the full length watch alongs, I like the edited highlight YouTubey videos, but I very much wanted to see this again and wanted some company. Yup, I was tearful all over again in all the same places. I think it’s a modern Christmas classic, I find it very moving and ultimately full of hope. And yes, Paul Giamatti is absolutely remarkable in this, that last scene with Angus when they say goodbye, he manages to say so much just in his face, just by saying nothing.
Ria Grix
2024-12-21 21:13:22 +0000 UTCI suggested it to her last year, and a few others as well, and she was considering it. Then she watched the Oscars this year and decided to do it for the holidays.
Chris Thom
2024-12-20 22:57:48 +0000 UTCThe Holdovers (2023) gets rave reviews. 178,000 users at IMDb gave it an average rating of 7.9 The Holdovers (2023) *IMDb 7.9, Metacritic 82% (user 8.1), RT 97% (audience 92%) *Nom for 5 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor (Giamatti), Best Screenplay *Won Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (Da'Vine Joy Randolph)
Clay F
2024-12-20 22:46:42 +0000 UTCGets rave reviews. 178,000 users at IMDb gave it an average rating of 7.9. The Holdovers (2023) IMDb 7.9, Metacritic 82% (user 8.1), RT 97% (audience 92%) Nom for 5 Oscars = Best Picture, Best Actor (Giamatti), Best Screenplay Won Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (Da'Vine Joy Randolph)
Clay F
2024-12-20 22:45:25 +0000 UTCFavorite christmas movie in years, thank you so much for watching it Cassie ❤ 🎄 Marry Christmas
Matt
2024-12-20 22:27:56 +0000 UTC@V M, Cassie just picked it herself, this would never place high on a poll IMO.
Joe
2024-12-20 14:31:30 +0000 UTCThe phrase "crossing the Rubicon" is an idiom that means to pass a point of no return or to do something that cannot be undone. It comes from the historical event when Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River in 49 BC, breaking an ancient law that prohibited Roman generals from entering Italy with their troops What happened Caesar crossed the Rubicon, a shallow river in what is now northern Italy, to enter Roman territory with his army. Why was it illegal? Roman governors were not permitted to enter the borders of the home province without the senate's permission. What was the result? Caesar's actions started the Roman Civil War and he was stripped of his title and right to rule. What does it mean now? The phrase symbolizes a point of no return, when the time for deliberation is over and action is at hand
Neighbourhood Watch Alliance
2024-12-20 10:18:39 +0000 UTCWas this movie the winner of a poll? How was it chosen?
V M
2024-12-20 09:26:47 +0000 UTCI read somewhere that this is a modern retelling of A Christmas Carol.
DAVID COSTELLO
2024-12-20 08:19:50 +0000 UTCYeah that's Alexander Payne. There's always some bleakness there, and pitch black humor...but they get warmer and warmer until the end, and with successive rewatches, too.
Chris Thom
2024-12-20 05:25:28 +0000 UTCWhen I first watched this the humour didn't really land for me and it just felt bleak and harrowing. For whatever reason the jokes worked for me more on this second viewing, although it was still fairly bleak and harrowing.
Ian Tonge
2024-12-19 21:13:43 +0000 UTCOh right the wrestling movie. Remember that being very sweet. Keep thinking John Cena was in that. But I don't think he was.
Chris Thom
2024-12-19 18:14:35 +0000 UTCAlmost certain I've seen it way in the past, and remember thinking Laura Dern was exceptional in it. But I don't remember anything about the premise or plot, other than that she was a very complicated character.
Chris Thom
2024-12-19 18:12:35 +0000 UTCShe's so sweet. Peak adorableness.
Chris Thom
2024-12-19 18:09:53 +0000 UTCI think she would like Citizen Ruth possibly most of all
Neighbourhood Watch Alliance
2024-12-19 17:40:47 +0000 UTCCheck out Citizen Ruth also, a brilliant low-ish budget satire
Neighbourhood Watch Alliance
2024-12-19 17:39:19 +0000 UTCThere's also a couple of nods to Withnail & I in the script
Neighbourhood Watch Alliance
2024-12-19 17:37:12 +0000 UTCA lesser known one is 'Win Win', another movie that would go down great on PiB
Neighbourhood Watch Alliance
2024-12-19 17:35:01 +0000 UTCYeah it's not the MCU...
Neighbourhood Watch Alliance
2024-12-19 17:33:48 +0000 UTC?????
TheSingulatarian
2024-12-19 17:06:38 +0000 UTCHow about a Paul Giamatti, or Alexander Payne, poll next year...
Neighbourhood Watch Alliance
2024-12-19 15:04:32 +0000 UTCHe was the last true commissioner of MLB, before the owners "took over"...and being an intellectual is a bad thing? I sincerely hope that was sarcasm...otherwise that comment explains a lot that has occurred over the last decade or two in this country.
crazyivan
2024-12-19 14:06:23 +0000 UTC+1 for The Descendants (2011) (Shailene Woodley, George Clooney). I also like Election (1999) (a young Reese Witherspoon is great).
Clay F
2024-12-19 06:07:41 +0000 UTCWas wondering why that actor didn't have any other acting credits. He was great. Good choice to hire someone green for the part.
Chris Thom
2024-12-19 04:22:55 +0000 UTCI am so glad so many are discovering this movie through you watching. It was in my top ten of 2023, and an instant must watch every christmas going forward. Dominic Sessa (Angus) was discovered by Payne while in production of this movie. He went to the school this was filmed at. Such an outstanding performance for his first movie, with no real training. Speaking of performances; Da'vine Joy Randolph. IIRC she was the first actress ever to sweep winning Best Supporting Actress at all the major awards ceremonies. She is just so unbelievably good. Paul Giamatti would have been my choice for best actor for the oscars last year. Cilian was just as great and i am happy he won, but Paul just had something in this role. I could not agree more about all the insults, just brilliant stuff, and in a right and just world would enter the common vernacular as a result of this film.
Michael G
2024-12-19 04:18:10 +0000 UTCNebraska is the one I always forget. I think my memory always glosses over black and white movies for some reason.
Chris Thom
2024-12-19 03:01:24 +0000 UTCNever quite struck me how emotional his movies are, because they're usually so understated. But they really are. Cassie's reaction definitely reminded me of that.
Chris Thom
2024-12-19 03:00:16 +0000 UTCThe movie was filmed in Massachusetts. But dang, the president of Yale? Does seem like a bit of an intellectual, though. Supposedly when he films in London he go goes to the courts to watch trials for fun. lol
Chris Thom
2024-12-19 02:58:33 +0000 UTCLove A. Payne. I'd love for you to react to some more of his films. (Unless it's downsizing that was just bad)
Aidan Rollings
2024-12-19 02:14:07 +0000 UTCOK, you were crying because Christmas, but also because of Alexander Payne. None of his movies are going to strike fireworks on YouTube, but he's one of our greatest living directors. I heard you like Reese Witherspoon, so...
Carol_White
2024-12-19 01:40:38 +0000 UTCThe movie they went to was Little Big Man. A very good western.
TheSingulatarian
2024-12-19 01:25:39 +0000 UTCWow. 1st time with this one. Good stuff. Thanks. Gotta suggest "Spring Forward" 1999 again. I really think you'd appreciate it.
clays283
2024-12-19 01:22:43 +0000 UTCI would have never watched this movie on my own. Thank you for getting me to watch it. It is a good movie. Great Reaction, Cassie.
Rick Williams
2024-12-19 00:35:23 +0000 UTCMy father worked for Pratt and Whitney Aircraft for many years in East Hartford, CT. Nothing fancy a machine operator on the manufacturing floor. My mother worked there as well before I was born as a "Computer" using a slide rule to calculate tables of numbers for the engineers before the widespread adoption of electronic computers. Pratt and Whitney was a big deal in here in central Connecticut. They move most of their operation to Florida and overseas after the end of the cold war. I did some temp jobs at the United Technologies headquarters in Hartford after college. There are a lot of private boys schools here in Connecticut though this film takes place in Massachusetts or possibly New Hampshire. Paul Giamatti's father was the president of Yale University and also the commissioner of Major League Baseball. So, he probably had some familiarity with elite education.
TheSingulatarian
2024-12-19 00:26:31 +0000 UTCYou're the best Cassie, the best.
David
2024-12-19 00:10:40 +0000 UTCWell said!
Steve Holton
2024-12-18 23:58:47 +0000 UTCI loved this movie. While generally all movies rely on known themes, this movie has a fresh unique mix. Plus, done well. Heartwarming. Paul Giamatti is awesome. "... broken in body and spirit." His character's arc is good. Thanks for your reaction. Carrie Preston (Miss Lydia Crane who had the Christmas Eve party and the niece) was also in True Blood (2008-2014) and "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (2008) (Woody Allen rom-com I recommend). Sideways (2004) is a rom-com with Paul Giamatti: I strongly suggest SIDEWAYS (2004) [RT=97%] (another Alexander Payne movie). Comedy/Romance. PAUL GIAMATTI, Sandra Oh. “Charming, thoughtful, and ... funny.” Nominated for 5 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Thomas Haden Church), Best Supporting Actress (Virginia Madsen), Best Director (Alexander Payne). Won Oscar for Best Screenplay.
Clay F
2024-12-18 22:28:16 +0000 UTCAfter watching the movie, I checked the director on IMDb and realized that I've seen many movies of him: Election, About Schmidt, Sideways, The Descendants, and Nebraska. The Descendants was a nice surprise for me.
René Ferland
2024-12-18 22:07:00 +0000 UTCAbsolutely love this movie. Alexander Payne's second movie with Paul Giamatti, who pretty much slays everything (yes, I even love him as Pig Vomit...'WNNNNNBC!').
Steve Mercier
2024-12-18 21:23:12 +0000 UTCHaving now watched this movie for the first time, I’m adding it to my list of favorite Paul Giamatti performances. Also, I forgot to mention in my previous post that Paul Giamatti is brilliant in “American Splendor”, the true story of comic book artist Harvey Pekar. A fantastic film about a truly unique individual.
Just Plain Bob
2024-12-18 21:13:31 +0000 UTCSuper underrated.
Rick Rodriguez
2024-12-18 21:09:35 +0000 UTCThese are the reactions I'm here for. Cassie is a masterpiece.
Terry Yelmene
2024-12-18 20:53:14 +0000 UTCI didn't say it looked dated I said the movie was dated...
ShazD
2024-12-18 20:41:01 +0000 UTCThe Descendants and Sideways are two of his best in my opinion.
Chris Thom
2024-12-18 20:38:38 +0000 UTCElection is one of my favorite movies ever.
Chris Thom
2024-12-18 20:35:35 +0000 UTCI think that if I knew Who recommended this movie I might be motivated to watch it. Is this a Ben Pick? Did Grandpa Popcorn like this movie?
Uncle Phoenix
2024-12-18 20:33:17 +0000 UTCCassie needs to watch "Election". "Citizen Ruth" may be a bit too much for her.
TheSingulatarian
2024-12-18 20:32:43 +0000 UTCWow Im so glad you watched this.. I saw it when it came out and it got me then and it got me again watching with you Cassie. Paul Giamatti is truly the most underrated actor ever. And this is his second movie with Alexander Payne. And the small connection is that both characters were writing a book. That ending was so emotional and all you had to do was see Paul and Angus' faces to sell it all.. well done. I hope you feel better soon my friend Cassie.. and thanks again for being the best youtuber. Oh and if you like these kind of boy school drama movies you should check out the Emperor's Club with Kevin Klein from 2002. Not as emotional but good in its own right.
Johnny Bullis
2024-12-18 20:18:56 +0000 UTCEnjoy, Clay. I watched it the other day and it's a good one.
Clarence Newman
2024-12-18 20:09:38 +0000 UTCI hope this leads to you watching Sideways.
Lyle Morgan
2024-12-18 19:44:10 +0000 UTCEnjoy! It's a fairly simple, slice-of-life kind of premise but it has a lot of charm.
Chris Thom
2024-12-18 19:43:31 +0000 UTCMy son highly recommended The Holdovers (2023), more than he typically does for a movie. I didn't even ask about The Holdovers (2023) but he just brought it up on his own. Then, I saw the rave reviews [IMDb 7.9, Metacritic 82 (user 8.1), RT 97% (audience 92%)]. I put The Holdovers (2023) on my watchlist. Now, I am about to do a first watch of The Holdovers (2023) [along with your reaction.] I will see what I think about the movie.
Clay F
2024-12-18 19:36:25 +0000 UTCIt was made to look dated intentionally. I think there's some kind of filter to make it look like it was filmed in the past.
Chris Thom
2024-12-18 19:34:41 +0000 UTCLove Sideways as well. Classic.
Chris Thom
2024-12-18 19:33:39 +0000 UTCSo, so glad you did this one. Alexander Payne is one of my favorite directors. And the whole cast nailed it. I know smaller movies like this don't always perform particularly well on the channel initially, but I'm so thankful that you watch them anyway. And over time, I suspect they WILL absolutely find their audience. Thank you, and Merry Christmas! Perfect choice for the holidays!
Chris Thom
2024-12-18 19:33:09 +0000 UTCA big +1 for Sideways
Clay F
2024-12-18 19:06:14 +0000 UTCCassie - I realized yesterday that, since 2021, I've watched nearly 400 movies with you (is that right!?!), plus Band of Brothers, The Pacific, Chernobyl and The Last of Us — and I've enjoyed nearly every minute ("nearly" because I usually watch these while I'm doing cardio on a spin bike or Concept 2 Rower — and even you couldn't make me like the spint intervals 🤣). I just wanted to say thank you again! I've long loved movies, but not so much all my movie buddies over the years. That you've kept me entertained and engaged for three years is, well, I'm bored easily, so everyone from my wife to my family and friends will tell you it's a significant accomplishment! In fact, I may be the poster child for why you've been able to monetize watching movies 😁🍿😁 Merry Christmas to you, Carly, Ben and your whole family! Dave
Above Average Dave
2024-12-18 18:28:45 +0000 UTCYour PPOTM reactions are some of my favourites. Loved watching this movie again with you
Nick Ireland
2024-12-18 18:12:16 +0000 UTCI need to catch up on Payne. Great place to start. Excited to watch along. Hope the movie is not to much of a...Payne. Keeping up with these reactions can be such a...Payne. But No Payne, no gain. *wakka wakka wakka.
Rick Rodriguez
2024-12-18 18:09:31 +0000 UTCA new xmas favourite I'll watch every year. An underrated xmas film: Fred Claus (also with Paul Giamatti!)
Odd Thomas
2024-12-18 18:03:28 +0000 UTCHe's a fantastic. I'll always cherish him from Cinderella Man.
Rick Rodriguez
2024-12-18 18:02:56 +0000 UTCNo it's dated because the concept is stale
ShazD
2024-12-18 17:00:19 +0000 UTCThat's who it was! I had a feeling this was paying homage to someone from the 70's but I wasn't sure who. I loved Being There. I only saw Harold & Maude once. I think it may be worth revisiting again.
Zane From Canada
2024-12-18 16:52:51 +0000 UTCThe "dated" feel is by design. They actually tried to make the movie look like it was made in the 1970s.
Stick Figure Studios
2024-12-18 16:20:48 +0000 UTCI loved this film so much. For me it was my third favorite movie of that year. The performances were terrific, and Alexander Payne is a Director where I always watch his new films when they come out. His films always are always cynical and a bit dark, but there is always a bit of "Real Life" and heart to them as well. I am glad you watched it. Happy Holidays to eveyone.
Damien beatty
2024-12-18 16:19:33 +0000 UTCI really liked this movie. It's Alexander Payne's love letter to Hal Ashby (director of HAROLD AND MAUDE and BEING THERE). He even gave it a 1970s filmmaking aesthetic. Very clever. Very funny. Very good.
Stick Figure Studios
2024-12-18 16:18:57 +0000 UTCPaul Giamatti is a national treasure. My two favorites of his are “Sideways” and “John Dies at the End” (admittedly a small role).
Just Plain Bob
2024-12-18 16:14:25 +0000 UTCI feel like this movie is quite dated and the concept has been done a thousand times before and much better. It feels like it was made in 1991.
ShazD
2024-12-18 16:13:07 +0000 UTCI watched this the other day. I knew it would be a nose-wrinkler (which is what Cassie does whenever she's trying not to cry.) I agree, though - such a mundane premise, but totally absorbing because of the actors. Paul Giamatti is superb.
Clarence Newman
2024-12-18 15:56:21 +0000 UTCWhat a fantastic, funny, and heartfelt movie. Alexander Payne is so good at blending reality, humor, and emotion together with just words. Paul Giamatti's line about a certain someone being a certain kind of cancer made me choke on my laughter. 😂
Zane From Canada
2024-12-18 15:54:31 +0000 UTCHidden gem! Looking forward to seeing Cassie’s reaction to this 😁
Wes
2024-12-18 15:49:13 +0000 UTC
